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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Services Committee Minutes 01.24.2011 MINUTES EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 24, 2011 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Present: Doug Poehls Clete Knaub Tom Nelson Others Present: Rick Musson Brent Peters (Late) Fireworks Sharon and Dave Herman, 416 Mountain View Lane, presented to the council debris that they picked up from their yard and the street that resulted from fireworks that were displayed on New Year's Eve. They expressed their disappointment and are opposed to fireworks within the city limits. They are in favor of the Fire Department's fireworks on July 4 and New Year's. They said fireworks are illegal in the city limits and they think that should be enforced unless someone is given a permit to shoot fireworks. They are against any previous suggestions from the committee to change the ordinance to read: prohibit within the city limits except for the dates of July 3rd and 4 between the hours of 9 a.m. and midnight and December 31st from 6 p.m. until January 1 at 1 a.m. Also suggested adding: "Fireworks that are allowed" to read: Fireworks allowed during those periods of time that fireworks may be used in Laurel City limits would be those fireworks allowed by state regulations. Police Chief Musson and Chairman Doug Poehls handed out copies of ordinances from Glendive and Great Falls. The ordinance in Glendive restricts fireworks within the city limits except for dates permissible to detonate, combust or display between designated dates and times in the ordinance. Each year through a resolution, the council could determine the appropriate permissible times to legally authorize fireworks within the city limits. This gives the council authority to set the days and times for fireworks to be discharged without the lengthy ordinance amendment process. The intent of the resolution is to give the council the ability to consider fire dangers, such as dry conditions, before determining how long the fireworks season will be in the city each year. The fire chief can be the main source of assessment. Quote from a Glendive news article, "we are all kids at heart, and want the kids to be able to have their fireworks, too ". In the article, it says they have heard citizen's testimonies on opposing fireworks but present no plans to prohibit the use entirely based on factors such as noise complaints. Sharon Herman pointed out their concern about destruction of private property and cleanup and asked if this would be enforced if fireworks were allowed. Doug said that would be personal responsibility. She asked that something be done before time runs out. Doug stated no decision would be made by the committee at this time without a quorum. Animal Ordinances - Chickens Denise Du Pont, 212 Woodland, proposed that the city change the city ordinance to allow chickens within the city limits based on 25 cities that successfully allow urban chickens. She pointed out this could be done with proper housing of the chickens, not allowing them to run free, and limiting the number of chickens to not more than six. She explained that she had planned to bring pictures of proper housing and described chicken coups that are on a type of wagon that can be moved in the yard. Doug stated no decision would be made by the committee at this time without a quorum. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Neva Hall Secretary